People passionate about the future of Tauranga and keen to be part of the city council’s governance team are encouraged to stand as candidates in the Te Awanui Māori Ward by-election.  

Nominations for the vacant seat are now open following the resignation of Mikaere Sydney last week. Councillor Sydney was unable to take up his position as an elected representative, for medical reasons.   

Local Democracy Reporting asked previous candidates if they planned to run again.

Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the Māori Ward is an important seat at the governance table, because it helps ensure there is wide community representation.  

“Unfortunately, it was not Mikaere’s time to join the team just yet, but we encourage anyone with the same mana and community spirit to consider standing for Te Awanui in this by-election,” said Drysdale.  

"The successful candidate will join our team as a new city leader and will be contributing to significant decisions about the city’s current and future infrastructure and community services’ needs. 

“It’s also important that people who are eligible to vote are enrolled on the Māori electoral roll as soon as possible.

“Our vision is for Tauranga to be the best city in the country, but it’s going to take a collective effort from all of us to get there.”  

To stand for Te Awanui, candidates are required to be:  
•    A New Zealand citizen by birth or through a citizenship ceremony  
•    Enrolled to vote on the General or Māori roll  
•    Nominated by two people who are enrolled to vote in Te Awanui Māori Ward.

Nominations for the by-election close at midday on Monday, 3 March and nomination forms are now available on the Tauranga City Council by-election webpage.  

Confirmed candidates will be announced after 12pm on March 3. Postal voting documents will be sent and voting commences on  Monday, April 7 and closes at midday on Tuesday, April 29. The results will be announced by May 5.

To vote for a candidate to represent Te Awanui Ward, people must be enrolled to vote on the Māori electoral roll. Voters have until Monday, March 3 to enrol on the Māori roll. Enrolments after that day will require voters to complete a special vote.

 For more information, please visit Council’s website.